[Kansas City.com] Dick Vermeil had the body language of a man deeply pondering the end Saturday after the Chiefs’ 20-7 win over the Chargers. He wrapped himself in a tight embrace with his boss when somebody mentioned Napa, the site of Vermeil’s winery. Much like last week, when the Chiefs collapsed against the Giants, the outcome of the game affected Vermeil deeply.
“I wouldn’t read anything into that right now,” Chiefs president/general manager Carl Peterson said. “It’s been a long season.”
“He’s certainly thinking about not only now but the future, and he’s going to continue to do that. But Dick, and it’s probably one of the things I love about him the most, has always been an emotional guy. The moment, I think, caught him. And he just said, ‘Hey, could’ve, would’ve, should’ve. I just saw my football team play so well against an outstanding football team.’”
The Chiefs close out the season Sunday against Cincinnati, and it could go down as the year that almost was. A win over the Bengals would put the Chiefs at 10-6 but probably won’t get them in the playoffs. By Sunday night, losses this season to Philadelphia, Dallas and Buffalo might be eating at Vermeil.
By next Monday, Kansas City will be hanging on a decision from Vermeil, who’s 69 and in the final year of his contract.
When the Chiefs lost this season, some say it’s hit their coach harder. After the Giants game, Vermeil said he “wasn’t worth a damn.” After Saturday, Vermeil seemed recharged.
“He believes in them, and they believe in him,” Peterson said. “And their heart, I think, is as big as his.”
